YOKOSUKA, Japan – Capt. Paul J. Lyons, relieved Capt. John L. Schultz as Commander, Destroyer Squadron 15 (DESRON 15) during a change of command ceremony in the C-2 Auditorium at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Dec. 14.
Rear Adm. J. R. Haley, Commander, Battle Force Seventh Fleet, was the guest speaker at the ceremony and gave encouraging and grateful remarks to Schultz and Lyons.
“He [Schultz] is the guy you want at your side in chaos. He keeps you afloat when you’re sinking, brings levity when all hope is lost, he’s the guy you want at your side when you’re out of ammunition, fuel and have no where left to land.” Haley went on to say, “the destroyer squadron could not be going into any better hands than that of [Lyons].”
In Schultz’s farewell comments he said he “attributes the success of DESRON 15 during his tenure to his dedicated staff, seven outstanding destroyers, superb support from the commander US Seventh Fleet, Commander, Battle Force Seventh Fleet and the supporting commands ashore here in Yokosuka.” He continued to say that, “I can think of no better person to turn over charge of this command than you [Lyons].”
Lyons was commissioned in the Navy through NROTC at Boston University in 1988, obtained an MBA from Providence College and an MPA from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Lyons previously commanded USS Safeguard (ARS 50), USS Stethem (DDG 63) and USS Cowpens (CG 63) and was the 2008 Navy Vice Adm. James Stockdale Leadership Award winner.
During his remarks to the audience, Lyons said, “I am both humble and honored with the opportunity to serve amongst an august group of talented professionals and fellow Warfare Commanders unified by a common purpose to underwrite peace and prosperity in this vital region.”
The change of command ceremony was the 52nd in DESRON 15’s 92 year storied history. DESRON 15 is comprised of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers and more than 2,000 Sailors and serves the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans as part of Battle Force Seventh Fleet.